Diana Stobo, founder of the raw food company Naked Nourishment and an author, is touring California to promote her new book, "Get Naked Fast."

Her first stop is the Capitola New Leaf.

Stobo will also demonstrate raw preparations, offer samples and give out recipes. Stobo, a Marin resident, has been one of the leaders of the raw food movement during the past eight years.

The free event runs noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at New Leaf Community Markets, 1210 41st Ave., Capitola. Because space is limited, register by Thursday at newleaf.com or by calling 466-9060, ext. 126.

New Leaf supports cancer group

The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group will be the beneficiary of New Leaf's community day Thursday. On this day, the group will receive 5 percent of the sales of Santa Cruz and Capitola New Leaf stores.

As the SCCBG will be hosting its sixth annual Gourmet Grazing on the Green food and wine festival on Sept. 19, tickets can be purchased for $50 until Sept. 18 in all five New Leaf shops in the area; everyone buying a ticket there will also receive two free raffle tickets, worth $10.

All of the funds that will be raised at Grazing on the Green will be donated to local organizations providing services for people suffering from cancer or to conduct research. For more information go to sccbg.org or newleaf.com.

Capitola IHOP to host benefit

The local IHOP restaurant has scheduled a fundraising event, with all proceeds going to a program that helps former gang members return to useful lives in the community.

The August Moon Dance dinner event, sponsored by Order Sons of Italy In America Lodge 1992, will be held Saturday.

The event features the Red Diamond Band and a full dinner for $18, including entree, main, dessert and coffee; the organization is noted for its Italian food.

It starts at 6 p.m. at the Portuguese Hall at 216 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz. For details call 423-7753.

Chowhound offers menu contest

Those interested in creating their own menus should participate in the Chowhound Challenger contest, the grand prize is a free cooking class. Send your menu ideas on the topic "Girls' Night Out" to denise@chowhoundcooks.com, deadline is Monday.

The public is invited to attend a free demonstration on how to cook healthy dinners while being resourceful with time and money.

Adriana Jimenez is offering a no-cost cooking demonstration for those interested in learning tasty yet inexpensive recipes. She will use innovative kitchen tools to demonstrate how to quickly prepare three delicious and healthy chicken recipes. She has hosted more than 30 in-home cooking demonstrations for the Pampered Chef.

A reception before the free event will take place 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, and the demonstration will begin at 7. It will take place at the Satellite Telework Center in Felton at 6265 Highway 9. Attendance is limited to the first 20 respondents.